The Stories NPR One Listeners Loved The Most In 2016
Listeners of our NPR One app rated these 10 stories as the most liked, recommended and shared in 2016.
Science
Remembering Vera Rubin, Who Made Dark Matter Matter
Scientist Vera Rubin made the theory of dark matter a reality and, many say, created modern astrophysics. NPR's Ari Shapiro discusses Rubin's passing with fellow astrophysicist Risa Wechsler.
Early Alzheimer's Gene Is A Curse For Families, A Gift For Science
They couldn't figure out why so many relatives got Alzheimer's in their 40s. Then they found out they share the rare Jalisco mutation. Their tragedy is helping scientists untangle the disease.
How Do You Keep From Getting Bored? Researchers Have An Answer
Social science research suggests that boredom, or satiety, has a lot to do with the mind. When we imagine variety in the future, it turns out we can tolerate a lot more boredom in the present.
Vera Rubin, Who Confirmed Existence Of Dark Matter, Dies At 88
The astrophysicist's groundbreaking research on spiral galaxies provided evidence of invisible dark matter. She was a pioneer in an era when women were excluded from many astronomy programs.
Feeling Less Than Grateful? Some People Are Just Wired That Way
Gratitude is linked to better physical and mental health. But some people are wired in a way that they place less value on it. And quickie exercises to boost gratefulness may not pay off.
A Dying Man's Wish To Donate His Organs Gets Complicated
Dying in America doesn't always go the way we plan. One terminally ill man's hope to be disconnected from his respirator and donate his organs was almost thwarted, despite his best laid plans.
Global Warming Is Reshaping The Wine-Making World
Countries that used to be too cold to produce wine are now able to do so, in part due to global warming. Lee Hannah of Conservation International discusses how this could affect conservation efforts.
How Kitchen Sounds Influence Food Flavor
Molly Birnbaum and Dan Souza are the editors of Cook's Science magazine. Birnbaum has written an article called "Taste with Your Ears: How Sound Can Change the Way You Eat."
After Baton Rouge Flood, Some Displaced Families Stick Out The Holidays In A Hotel
In August historic floods damaged more than 60,000 homes in Louisiana. We check in with displaced families still living in a Baton Rouge hotel this holiday season — with no known move-out date.